Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Turkey Fryer Safety

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County wants to wish their community happy holidays as we approach Thanksgiving Day! While we hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday, we want to remind the community on the safety of frying a turkey to help avoid unnecessary disaster this holiday. 

Any turkey fryer that uses cooking oil is extremely volatile, using large amounts of oil at very high temperatures. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. If you are cooking a turkey in an oil fryer this year, please make sure to take a few extra steps to keep yourself and your home safe from a fire.

  • Read the manual of the turkey fryer and know the weight limit of the turkey you are cooking.
  • Do not over-fill your pot with oil. (Take into consideration that the turkey will raise the oil a considerable amount.)
  • Do not leave your turkey fryer unattended for any amount of time. 

If you suffer damages to your home or business, SERVPRO of West Greenville County is open 24/7 and is 'Faster to Any Disaster!'

Contents Cleaning

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we have seen every size disaster and we know that some fire and water damages can greatly affect the contents of the structure. We have the right equipment and warehouse space to remove those contents affected by any type of damage, and clean/decontaminate them.

Our production team will pack out the contents in labeled boxes. Each box has a list of contents and photos are taken to reflect the notes taken by our production members. Once properly packed, the affected contents are then moved to our warehouse where cleaning and decontamination will take place.

There is a different process for cleaning depending on the type of loss the home or business sustained. While some affected contents cannot be saved with our cleaning process, our team always has the goal to leave your home or business in as close to pre loss condition as possible. 

Call us at SERVPRO of West Greenville County at (864)-292-8570.

Meet Our Production Member, Toby!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

production member wearing PPE Production Team Member, Toby.

Toby is one of SERVPRO of West Greenville County's senior production members. He has been with our SERVPRO branch since the very beginning, when our owner and CEO Johnny purchased the branch in 2017. He works hard every day to make sure that our customer's are satisfied and well informed. 

One of his duties as a production team member is to document every step of his work at a customer's home or business. He does this by taking detailed notes and photos during each step in the mitigation or remediation process. You can make sure that if Toby is working on the jobsite, that things are going to be done as efficiently as possible. 

You can always be sure to find him decked out in SERVPRO swag!

Services Anytime!

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County has a fully trained and skilled production staff that is available for services 24/7, 365 days a year. At SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we know that disaster can strike at any time of day or year, so we are always prepared to help. Our production crew spend all year training, studying and preparing to best handle any water, fire, or mold job that we may come across. At SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we believe that our customers deserve the very best, so we train to make sure that is a reality. 

If disaster should strike your home or business, day or night, we will be there. Call us anytime at SERVPRO of West Greenville County at (864)-294-8570. 

Meet our Social Media Content Writer

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

photo of our social media writer Tess, our Social Media Content Writer

Tess Rogers is the Social Media Content Writer for both SERVPRO of West Greenville County and SERVPRO of Anderson. She manages the social accounts and keeps the websites updated with current blogs, before and after photos, and pictures for our photo gallery. She works closely with our office staff and reads every detail about the water mitigation, fire remediation, and mold remediation jobs that she writes about. Before she began work as our social media content worker, she worked in the office closely with our office manager, Holly, where she learned the ins and outs of remediation work. 

While Tess is currently a remote worker, you can be sure that she sees every happy customers comments and input on the social media outlets. We love knowing that we leave a happy customer after each and every job. 

Meet Our Office Manager

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

photo of our office manager Office Manager, Holly!

Holly Lee is the Office Manager at SERVPRO of West Greenville County.  Her responsibilities encompass many aspects of our business, including account management, analyzing financial reports, monitoring compliance/risk management, and etc. She also acts our HR Administrator. Her incredible organization skills and wonderful personality keeps our team running smoothly. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of the restoration and mitigation business and can answer any question you may have. 

Holly is one of the friendly voices that our customers have grown so accustomed to hearing when calling in to our office, and she takes great pleasure in making sure they are each taken care of. 

If you want exceptional service through every step of your restoration or mitigation job, give us a call at SERVPRO of West Greenville County at (864)-292-8570.

2022 Summer Vacation Tips to Avoid Water Damage

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is here this week in the Upstate of South Carolina. With the warming weather and endless days of sunshine, people are starting to plan their summer vacations away from home. Recent surveys from CHUBB found that "close to 80% of homeowners overlook costly water leak exposure when heading out on vacation." At SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we want to make sure that you aren't those people, so we have some tips for you to help avoid any water damage. 

  • Complete a check of all appliances before you leave
  • Test the sump pump if you have one
  • Turn off the main water valve
  • Regularly replace supply lines

These are just a few of the simple steps that you can take to help prevent water damage to you home while you are away. If you do suffer water damage, give the professionals a call at SERVPRO of West Greenville County at (864)-292-8570.

https://news.chubb.com/2017-08-21-Survey-Finds-Close-to-80-of-Homeowners-Overlook-Costly-Water-Leak-Exposure-When-Heading-Out-on-Vacation

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2022

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County is a big advocate of hurricane preparedness and we fully support 'Hurricane Preparedness Week' that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration educates on every year. As a part of SERVPRO's storm team, we take the education and proper preparation of storm season very seriously. 

This years Hurricane Preparedness Week is from May 1st-7th. The best time for you to start preparing before the upcoming storm season, starting June 1st. According to the NOAA, "Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming hurricane season."

Top Causes of Commercial Water Loss

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County is called out to commercial water loss jobs every week. Our production team members are skilled to handle every size job and have seen many different types of commercial water losses. Here are a few of the top causes of commercial water loss that our team has experienced. 

  • Broken Pipes
  • Damaged HVAC
  • Failed or Malfunctioning Sprinkler Systems
  • Roof and Window Damages
  • Vandalism 
  • Weather Damage 

Many of the commercial water losses that we have seen at SERVPRO of Anderson have been issues that could have been prevented with the proper maintenance and updating. Pipes, HVAC, Sprinkler Systems, Roofs and Windows should all be evaluated every single year to assure no natural wear and tear has taken place. Help protect your business this year by taking the time to check these things and provide the necessary maintenance. Although there are steps that can be taken to help prevent water loss to your commercial space, disaster can still strike anytime. 

If you commercial building suffers a water loss, call us at SERVPRO of West Greenville County at (864)-292-8570 for our commercial water mitigation services.

First Steps After a Storm

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

As the weather starts to change in the Upstate of South Carolina, we are susceptible to bigger storms that can cause a lot of damage. If you find that your property has been damaged by one of these weather induced storms, here are a few steps you should take to get your home back to normal, while staying safe.

  • Assess the Mess: Once the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, get a good look at the mess or any damages that may have occurred. Be careful as you investigate to avoid any broken power lines or trees that may fall. 
  • Call for Help: After you have a good idea of the work that needs to be done, call your insurance company to discuss the coverage for your type of damage. 
  • Bring in the Professionals: The insurance company will point you in the right direction for the best cleanup and water mitigation team around. These professionals are skilled in storm mitigation and know the safest and quickest ways to get your home back to normal. 

Storms can be scary, but they don't have to be if you are prepared for any disaster. SERVPRO of West Greenville County can help you with that. Call anytime 24/7 us at (864)-292-8570.

Should You Use Bleach on Mold?

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

When you notice mold in your home or business, the first thing that comes to mind is how to remove it. Chlorine bleach has become one of the most common go-to's because it is quick and easily accessible. While the bleach does visibly remove the mold growth, is it really effective in mold remediation? 

The idea that bleach can help you completely get rid of mold is a common misconception. These production are marketed to make people believe this to be true. While bleach does help to wipe away microbial growth on non porous materials, it cannot do the same for things like wood or drywall. The growth spreads into the pores of the material, and though the color may change on the surface temporarily, it will return if not properly remediated. 

The best way to get rid of mold, is to call a professional to help. To get rid of mold completely, you must first find the root of the cause and fix the issue. Once the source of moisture has been addressed, the affected materials often need to be completely removed and then treated. 

If you are uncertain of how to address a mold issue, it is always best to call a professional. SERVPRO of West Greenville County has skilled professionals in mold remediation services. Give us a call for any Mold Remediation services at (864)-292-8570. 

Happy Holidays 2021

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

This holiday season, here at SERVPRO of West Greenville County, we want to remind you to celebrate safely. With the chaos of the holiday, it can be easy to turn a blind eye to fire safety and for water damage to go unnoticed. If you plan on going out of town, make sure to take the proper steps to avoid any leaks. 

Check out our fire safety blogs on proper kitchen safety, as well as how to avoid a Christmas tree fire. Remember, disasters don't wait for regular business hours. SERVPRO of West Greenville County is open 24/7 and we are Faster to Any Disaster! Give us a call at (864)-292-8570 if disaster should strike.

From our SERVPRO family at West Greenville County to yours, Merry Christmas. 

Key Fire Safety Tips

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

As 2021's fire prevention week comes to an end, SERVPRO of West Greenville County wants to remind you of a few fire safety tips! 

  • Watch your cooking
    Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • Give space heaters space
    Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Smoke outside
    Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach
    Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
  • Inspect electrical cords
    Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
  • Be careful using candles 
    Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Have a home fire escape plan 
    Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
  • Install smoke alarms
    Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • Test smoke alarms
    Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
  • Install sprinklers 
    If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®)

Most fires are preventable, but if you do suffer a fire to your home or business, SERVPRO of West Greenville County is here to help.

Give us a call anytime, 24/7 at (864)-292-8570!

2021 Fire Prevention Week

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

The 2021 Fire Prevention week is October 3rd-9th and this year's FPW's campaign is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety". The objective this year is to teach about all the sounds a fire alarm or carbon monoxide monitor might make. According to the National Fire prevention Association, "there are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed."

Smoke Alarms

  • A continued set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire.
  • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and needs to be changed.
  • All smoke alarms must be changed after 10 years.
  • Chirping that continues after the battery is changed means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit needs to be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • A continuous set of four loud beeps means carbon monoxide is present in your home.
  • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery needs to be changed.
  • CO alarms also have "end of life" sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it is time to replace the alarm.
  • Chirping that continues after the battery is changed means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit needs to be replaced.

"Hear a Beep, Get on your feet." and "Hear a chirp, Make a change" are some good slogans to remember!

For more information about this year's fire week campaign, check out NFPA.org/Fire Prevention Week.

SERVPRO of West Greenville County has a few more tips that can be referred to in our blog "When to change your smoke alarm batteries". 

Smoke Detectors; When to replace the batteries?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are not thought of often, unless they begin beeping, letting you know that the battery is dead. Although your smoke detector does alert you when a new battery is needed, it can be defective with no warning at all. The NFPA recommends that people test their smoke detectors every month to make sure that they are working properly. It is important that when you change the batteries in one alarm, you go ahead and change the batteries in the rest of the alarms in your home. First alert gives the suggestion to use daylight savings time as a reminder to change the smoke detector batteries. This year, that day falls on November 7th!

Smoke alarms are a crucial tool to help keep your family and home safe from a fire loss. Take the extra steps to prevent disaster.

Ida Storm Team

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Ida was a deadly and destructive Category 4 storm. This was the biggest hurricane to hit the United States this year, and the second-most damaging and intense hurricane on record to hit Louisiana. Many people suffered severe flooding in their homes as the storm continued up the east coast into New York. 

SERVPRO of West Greenville County just dispatched our highly trained and skilled storm team to help with the clean up from hurricane Ida. Production will aid local SERVPROs in the mitigation and restoration process of peoples homes and businesses. We have multiple trucks filled with SERVPRO green drying equipment and other mitigation materials. 

We are so proud of our Storm team and everything they do to prepare to help those in need. We are ONE TEAM!

Hurricane Preparedness

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

This hurricane season has already produced 5 hurricanes, with Ida being the biggest storm to hit Louisiana in decades. While there have already been multiple storms this year, the NOAA is still predicting a few more to come. SERVPRO of West Greenville County is prepared to aid in any storm damage this hurricane season, but how can you prepare your home?

In the upstate of South Carolina, we occasionally receive severe weather from hurricanes that hit the east coast. It is important to be prepared for any disaster. Here are some tips to help prepare your home for possible flash floods.

  • Prevent Basement Water Seepage
  • Maintain and understand your indoor and outdoor plumbing
  • Repair and protect your home's exterior
  • Protect your possessions 

Oftentimes we don't expect disaster to happen to us, so if you do find yourself with water damage during this hurricane season, make sure to call us at SERVPRO of West Greenville County to help get your home back to pre loss condition. 

Call us at (864)-292-8570 

Mold Removal vs. Remediation

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that there is a difference between removing mold and remediating it? Removing mold can be a quick solution to remove growth from the surface it has contaminated. However, there are microscopic spores that can be left behind, meaning that it has not really been removed fully. At SERVPRO of West Greenville County, our production team has the training and expertise to remediate the microbial growth in a way that its presence is back to normal levels. Here are some steps you can take if you notice an overgrowth of mold in your home or business:

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact (864)-292-8570
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration

Drying Science – Part 3

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

In any water mitigation job, after any standing water has been extracted, the next step is usually to dry the materials. At the beginning of a drying project, the restorer moves warm, dry air close to wet surfaces to evaporate surface and free water. The faster the air moves, the more quickly moisture is evaporated. Air moving equipment is used to enhance evaporation at the surface level and reduce drying time.  While any drying equipment is placed, our production crew regularly comes out to monitor the progress and move the equipment as needed. The drier air and higher temperature of the material, the quicker bound water will evaporate. As water evaporates from wet materials, the air directly above the wet material becomes saturated and cool. This boundary level of humid, cool air can slow evaporation. Air movers enhance the evaporation by introducing air flow at the surface level replacing a cool saturated boundary layer with warmer, drier air from dehumidifiers. 

Drying Science- Part 2

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County’s production crew uses airflow effectively to dry out affected materials.  Air movement is crucial for evaporating moisture in materials. SERVPRO green air movers do this in a couple of ways. First, as dehumidifiers produce the warm dry air, the air movers create movement that then circulates the warm dry air throughout the affected space. This helps to lower the humidity in the area. Circulation is the key! It is also important that our crew effectively uses temperature to help dry out any affected materials. Temperature creates energy, which means that a high temperature creates a higher energy. When a water molecule has more energy, the faster it moves. The faster that the molecules move, the quicker that their bonds are broken causing the state to change from liquid to vapor. Our production team uses heat to speed the movement of the moisture along, increasing the rate of evaporation.

Increasing the Material’s Temperature + Lowering the Vapor Pressure of the Air above the Material = You have created the conditions for evaporation

Water Extraction Steps

3/13/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business is flooded with water, sometimes the water needs to be extracted before the restoration process can begin. For proper water extraction and mitigation there are 4 steps to take to ensure things will properly dry. SERVPRO West Greenville County is available 24/7 to ensure your home or business does not receive any further damage from standing water.

  1. Source of Water is Shut Off or Fixed.

Before any steps of extraction or mitigation can begin, the source of the water damage needs to be shut off or fixed. A plumber may be needed in order to get the problem fixed so that our production team can come get your home back to normal.

  1. Remove all Standing Water

Once the source of the water has been shut off, SERVPRO of West Greenville County’s production team can extract all the standing water. Water that stands for too long can cause microbial growth, so it is important to let professionals extract any standing water.

  1. Dry Materials and Contents

After any standing water has been removed, equipment is placed to dry flooring, walls, and any affected contents. SERVPRO West Greenville County uses air movers, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to help properly dry these things. In some cases, over saturated flooring or walls may need to be removed because equipment cannot properly dry it.

  1. Cleaning

The last step is to clean the affected area after the equipment has properly dried all materials and contents. This last step helps to sanitize all contents as well as help with any odors that the water damage may have caused.

If your business or home suffers any water damage, make sure to give us a call for your water extraction needs. SERVPRO West Greenville County (864)-292-8570!!

Freezing Temperatures Cause Damage in Oklahoma

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Photo of the cause of damage to a OK home. Frozen Pipe Causes Water Damage

SERVPRO West Greenville County has an amazing production team who specializes in storm work. So many people were affected from the weather, that the local SERVPRO’s needed a hand and our storm team was ready to help. This freeze caused many people in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana to have some major water damage. The extreme cold started causing pipes to burst, causing flooding and even structural damage. SERVPRO West Greenville County’s production team went out as soon as help was needed to start the repair on this Oklahoma residents’ home. Like many others, a pipe in her home froze causing it to bust and affect flooring, walls, and the contents of her home. Our team will stay out as long as it takes to get her home ready for the reconstruction it needs. This will include some content moving and cleaning, demolition, and drying of affected materials. Storm damage can be devastating to a homeowner because it is completely unexpected. If you suffer from any storm damage during this very cold winter, make sure to give SERVPRO West Greenville County a call at (864)-292-8570 for your mitigation needs. Our team extracts water, dries affected material, does demolition to remove affected material, and everything needed to make your home "Like it never even happened."

Church Fire in Greenville, SC

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

Church sanctuary post fire with soot damage Soot and Smoke affect Church Sanctuary in Greenville, SC

This catholic church in Greenville South Carolina experienced a small fire in their HVAC system when a fan failed. While the structure did not suffer any major damage, smoke traveled through the entirety of the church through the A/C vents. They called SERVPRO West Greenville County to come out and help clean the soot from the walls and contents of the structure. One thing that makes SERVPRO of West Greenville County stand out amongst other restoration companies is that our production crew communicates with customers every step of the way. Before our crew even begins to clean soot, we come up with a game plan that will best suit our client’s needs. Production crew also keeps detailed notes and photos from each visit to ensure that we are performing in the best SERVPRO manner. 

For a fire restoration job where there is not much visible damage, production does hand cleaning paired with HEPA vacuuming, air movers, air scrubbers, and vapor sharks to help rid the structure of the smoke smell. The equipment placed works to rid the air in the structure of the smoke smell by helping filter it out and neutralize the smell. Production members sponge walls and contents, then wash and rinse them before HEPA vacuuming to ensure the smoke is lifted from all surfaces. Once hand cleaning is complete, all equipment is left on site and monitored until smell is eliminated and our customer is ready to have it removed. If you find that your home or business has lingering smell of smoke from a recent fire, give SERVPRO West Greenville County a call at (864)-292-0285.

West Greenville County Biohazard

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard fluid on wall of hotel room Hotel has biohazard job for SERVPRO West Greenville County.

At SERVPRO West Greenville County, our production crew see a lot of water and fire jobs. Almost every day our crew is called out to a new mitigation job where a pipe has burst or a toiled has overflown. Although these are the jobs that our crew is most accustomed to, we specialize in many more areas as well. Biohazard is one that does not come around often, but that our production crew excel at. Biohazard jobs can include sewage, virus cleanup, and sometimes even crime scene cleaning. Recently, we had a local hotel call for our services in a guest’s room. Our crew were dispatched out to clean and sanitize bodily fluids that were left behind by a guest. At SERVPRO West Greenville County we are able to assure that in situations like these, everything is cleaned and sanitized well enough so that business may continue to conduct their business. When an event that leaves behind substances categorized as biohazard, it is hard to know who to call to take care of the situation. SERVPRO West Greenville County are the right people for the task. Give us a call at (864)-292-8570!

WHY SERVPRO 2021

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County has been acquiring new equipment so that we can be prepared for any size disaster. Our new commercial grade Desiccant Dehumidifier, paired with our new extended trailer and commercial size generator allow us to get out to any job, in any weather climate. This will allow us to help not only our community, but our fellow SERVPRO’s on the coast during hurricane season. Not only will we be able to aid in mitigation services, we can tackle whole projects while we’re there as well. We have received and assembled our final equipment to handle larger commercial and residential projects. Lastly, at the very beginning of 20201, we broke ground on our new SERVPRO facility that will give us the space to store this extra equipment, as well as customers contents before, during, and after cleaning. Our highly trained Team is here to help throughout the process whenever a disaster happens. Give us a call for your large or small mitigation or remediation needs at SERVPRO West Greenville County at (864)-224-8570!

WHY SERVPRO? West Greenville County COVID-19 Cleaning

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

The global COVID-19 pandemic that hit the United States in early March has changed the way that we do things in many aspects of our lives. Here at SERVPRO of West Greenville, it has changed what it means to be clean. During these unprecedented times, our production team has been working tirelessly to help sanitize and clean our local communities’ businesses, churches, and medical facilities. Our crew make it a priority to get out to any COVID-19 job within 24 hours of being called, because we know how important it is to keep business running. SERVPRO West Greenville County has the most dedicated production manager who always has her phone on for round the clock services. If you find that your business is in need of our services, make sure to give us a call at (864)-292-8570.

Hurricane Sally

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Two production crew members standing outside of SERVPRO green vehicles in SERVPRO shirts SERVPRO of West Greenville County is 'Here to Help'!

The 2020 hurricane season is in full swing with up to 4 organized systems currently in the Atlantic. Hurricane Sally made her landfall to the Florida and Alabama boarder, affecting hundreds of people and their homes. Sally unleashed up to 30 inches from Florida to Alabama, causing some major flooding in the area.

While many people did choose to evacuate for the storm, it is possible that they will be coming home to some major water damage from the flooding. Our production crew was eager to get to the gulf and lend a helping hand. September 17th, Thursday afternoon, a group of our production crew left for the gulf with all the proper equipment to help those in need.

If you or anyone you know has experienced damage from Hurricane Sally and her torrential rains, call SERVPRO of West Greenville County to help restore you home. Our team offers 24-hour service and they are trained to handle any size disaster.

Give us a call at (864)-292-8570

SERVPRO of West Greenville Mold Myths & Facts

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of West Greenville County we have mold remediation services. Most of the time it’s in an un-used part of the home like a basement or attic.

Some customers try to handle the project themselves and find that the mold comes back a few weeks later. Here are some myths & facts about mold and the dangers. If you think you have mold, you should contact SERVPRO of West Greenville County to discuss the plans of actions.

MYTH NO. 1 BLEACH KILLS MOLD?

Liquid bleach is a solution of chlorine in water, usually 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, thus 94 percent water. Smearing bleach on mold may appear to kill it, but the effect is superficial and very temporary. Once the chlorine is gone - and it evaporates rapidly - what's left is all that water, feeding the mold.

There are many chemicals that kill mold. They're called biocides.


MYTH No. 2  
 'Toxic' Mold is the only dangerous type of mold.

"Toxic" mold or "black" mold is often touted by the hucksters in the mold industry as being the one that can cause health effects, the one you must eliminate. This is pure scare tactic. 

Yes, there are some strains of mold that seem to be more toxic than others. But there is no such thing as good mold, or even tolerable mold, unless you like stinky cheese. Mold in your home is a problem, because it signifies a moisture problem. Moisture inside your home enables mold growth, and it can also lead to rot, threatening the structure itself.

On top of that, any mold problem that's allowed to continue often will pave the way for the dreaded "black mold." The most infamous "black mold," stachybotrys chartarum, is what's known as a tertiary mold. It's very slow to develop and usually follows earlier mold growths, actually feeding off the previous mold colony.

MYTH No. 3, Homeowners can properly remediate mold themselves?

Homeowners are not trained or knowledgeable about mold enough to properly remediate the damages, most times homeowners cause more damage when they don’t hire a professional. Most of the errors are in the contamination process. Not using vapor barriers or the proper equipment to clean the air during removal stages. When it’s not properly sectioned off, they can cross contaminate mold threw other area of the home that previously did not have mold spores.


Fact No. 1 :  Mold is everywhere and mold problems exist indoors in every climate.


Mold is, literally, everywhere on the planet, in every climate. A house in the Mojave Desert can have a mold problem as easily as one in Florida or New Orleans. 

Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, food, and the right temperature. Moisture can collect in walls, attics and crawl spaces in the driest of climates with a little help, such as a roof or siding leak, plumbing flaw, and pressure differentials created by air conditioning, or even a poorly vented bathroom.

Food for mold is pretty much everything we build with and everything we own. Mold loves household dust... even in the kitchen sink. And the warmth mold needs is the same temperature range humans prefer.

Bottom line: Every home has mold but not every home has a mold problem. If you think you might have a mold problem, don't ignore it. Get help.

Fact No. 2 Home inspectors don't know mold.
 
Home inspectors - the ones who check out a house prior to sale - are generally ignorant about mold. Many inspectors will see mold and ignore it because there's no rot or obvious moisture. Others may not see it at all.

If you think you have mold in your property, call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of West Greenville County – (864) 292-8570!

Mold Safety Tips

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of West Greenville County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of West Greenville County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 864-292-8570

Need Mold Remediation? Call SERVPRO of West Greenville County Today!

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial emergency. We are a locally owned and operated restoration company and are trusted leaders in the industry. 

Mold remediation is something that needs to be taken very seriously and should be done by professionals. SERVPRO of West Greenville County has technicians with trained experience in mold remediation who can handle any job no matter how big or small. Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

  1. Emergency Contact - 864-292-8570
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  7. Restoration

Mold is the last thing you want in your home or commercial building. If you suspect there is mold in your home do not be afraid to call SERVPRO of West Greenville County at 864-292-8570!

Why SERVPRO of West Greenville County?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of West Greenville

SERVPRO of West Greenville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Why SERVPRO of West Greenville County

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and fix the issue as soon as possible. SERVPRO of West Greenville County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of West Greenville County can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of West Greenville County. 

Serving West Greenville County since 2016, SERVPRO of West Greenville County takes great pride in doing our part to ensure the community is the best it can be.

SERVPRO and Mold Remidiation

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

An apartment in Greenville, SC experienced mold growth earlier this year and SERVPRO was called to help. The mold was found in the master bedroom and the master bedroom closet. We completed an inspection and started to remediate immediately. In just one day SERVPRO of West Greenville County had completed the mold remediation process. The owner said she was very pleased with the job SERVPRO had completed. 

Mold can spread extremely fast in your home or business. If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and asses your property. We will use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. SERVPRO of West Greenville County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals and will be sure to do the best job possible.

Call 864-292-8570 today if you need mold remediation completed.

SERVPRO of West Greenville County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 864-292-8570

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Greenville County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of West Greenville County

SERVPRO of West Greenville County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Does Your West Greenville Home Have a Mold Problem?

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Mold can spread quickly in your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call SERVPRO of West Greenville County Today- 864-292-8570

Water Damage Restoration 24/7

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

This is an after photo from a bathroom that experienced water damage.

Last week the West Greenville County experienced a lot of rain. We know the effects heavy rain and storms can have on your home.

If you experienced any water damage last week call SERVPRO of West Greenville County today. We are a 24/7 restoration service that specializes and water damage restoration.

Whether your home was damaged from rain, or a pipe breaking, we are here to help you. We have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

SERVPRO of West Greenville is here to help you and your home or commercial building. Call us today if you have experienced water damage. 

(864)-292-8570

January CEO Award

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Greenville County is proud to announce that we were awarded the January CEO Award. The CEO Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond to help create an excellent organization each month. We are so proud of Johnny and Valerie Lee.

Thank you to everyone for the support and trust you have in our company.This recognition symbolizes the determination that our team members have to work in unity to achieve success personally and professionally. The saying with SERVPRO of West Greenville County is, “Our customers best interest and satisfactions comes first”. We are very proud of our entire team for the continue efforts they put forth every day and especially during busy times to make this happen.

If you have water damage or need any kind of restoration completed at your home or commercial office call us today!

(864)-292-8570